Friday, August 12, 2016

Mackie Claire - On Your 7th Birthday Eve

Today is your 366th day as a 6-year-old (the calendar gave you an extra day to enjoy being 6 this year!). Tomorrow you're (gulp)....SEVEN!

What an amazing 366 days you've had as a 6-year-old.

You entered kindergarten. You started reading more than "just" sight words and small sentences. Your love for God expanded as you continued learning and studying His precious word. You began many sweet friendships with school friends that I hope lasts a lifetime. You attended your fair share of Lady Crusader basketball games (among other sporting events). You began dance lessons and gracefully fluttered across stage at your first dance recital. You learned how to play softball. You swam to your heart's content. You enjoyed dates with daddy and girl time with mama and (usually) played sweetly with your little sidekick, AKA Brax.

We could make a list forever-long of all the adventures and fun you've had in your sixth year of life.

But what I want you to know is what an amazing gift from God you are to your daddy and me and everyone you meet. God blessed us beyond measure when He brought you into this world at 10:03 a.m. on August 13, 2009. You came right on your due date and you've been list-making, time-telling, and task-orienting ever since.

When you wake up tomorrow morning, on Day #1 as a 7-year-old, I want you to grasp each day and make it memorable. I want that little light inside of your heart to spill over to everyone you meet, glowing for Jesus and making Him known in this dark world. I want your to use your determined and feisty spirit for His glory. I want your tender heart to remain steadfast - showing kindness and compassion to those you meet at school, at church, and in our community.

Your daddy and I love you so much, baby girl. We're proud of the little lady you're growing into and pray that God continues working on your heart, that you live for His Kingdom while you're running, jumping, playing, learning, growing, and living here on earth.